Pakistan Snatch 42-Run Win Over New Zealand In Fifth T20I
Pakistan won the fifth and final Twenty20 international against New Zealand by 42 runs, avoiding a series clean sweep. Although Pakistan lost the series 4-1, they ended on a positive note with a strong bowling performance. They defended their total of 134-8 by dismissing New Zealand for a low score of 92.
Iftikhar Ahmed, a part-time offspinner, was the star with career-best figures of 3-24. New Zealand's weakened batting lineup struggled against spin, and only Finn Allen (22) and Glenn Phillips (26) managed to pass 20 runs. Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz (2-18), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-20), took eight wickets for just 39 runs.
New Zealand was missing key players Kane Williamson (knee injury), Devon Conway (Covid-19), and Daryl Mitchell (rested).
In their innings, Pakistan faced a disciplined bowling display from New Zealand, with Tim Southee (2-19), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Ish Sodhi all taking two wickets each. Despite a quick start from Fakhar Zaman (33 off 16 balls), Pakistan's innings was anchored by top-scorer Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 38 off 38 balls. Ultimately, Pakistan set the lowest first-innings score of the series, but their bowlers stepped up to secure a consolation win.
via Cricket News: Latest Cricket News, Live Scores, Results, Upcoming match Schedules | Times of India https://ift.tt/oSxpWqg
